Coprolites as evidence for plant-animal interaction in Siluro-Devonian terrestrial ecosystems

Article Abstract:

An examination of coprolites (fossil feces) in the Upper Silurian and Lower Devonian rocks from the Welsh Borderland indicate the existence in that period, of spore eating species, either herbivore or detritivores, earlier than previously known by around 90 million years. The coprolites consist of a major portion of land-plant spores, with cuticles and tubes, confirming that spores provided nutrition for non-carnivores since living vegetative tissue had little nutritional value. Limited evidence of plant damage in this period suggests herbivores developed later and detritivores produced the coprolites.

Fossils, Paleontology, Silurian period

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New Silurian and Devonian fork-tailed 'thelodonts' are jawless vertebrates with stomachs and deep bodies

Article Abstract:

Newly discovered fossil fishes suggest that stomachs evolved before vertebrate jaws. The fishes have thelodont scales but do not resemble other thelodonts. They have forked tails and bodies which are deep and compressed, with sediment fillings in the fossils which indicate stomachs. These fishes could be closely related to jawed vertebrates in the evolutionary chain.

Vertebrates, Fossil, Fossil vertebrates, Fishes, Fossil, Fossil fishes

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Winged Late Devonian seeds

Article Abstract:

Gymnosperm seed fossils from the Late Devonian period have wings, the better to make use of wind dispersal. The winged integuments would also improve a seed's ability to adhere to a substrate and so start growing. This interpretation of the integuments' function differs from the view that they serve mainly to optimize pollination and protect the seed.

Plants, Plant dispersal, Paleobotany, Devonian period, Gymnosperms

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